Blinkit booked under Arms Act after Delhi Police allege illegal sale of oversized knives via app
During questioning, two murder accused reportedly told investigators that they had purchased knives used in crimes through Blinkit
PTC Web Desk: A case has been registered against quick-commerce platform Blinkit after the Delhi Police alleged that the company was selling prohibited button lock knives through its app in violation of the Arms Act.
According to police officials, the development followed investigations into two separate murder cases in West Delhi. During questioning, the accused in both cases reportedly told investigators that they had purchased the knives used in the crimes through the Blinkit platform.
To verify the claims, police personnel allegedly placed orders for the same type of knife through the app. The weapon delivered to them measured approximately 8 cm in blade length and 2.5 cm in width.
As per existing government norms, only knives with blades up to 7.62 cm in length and 1.72 cm in width are permitted for sale online. Any blade exceeding these dimensions falls under the purview of the Arms Act and is treated as a criminal offence.
Following the verification, the police conducted raids at multiple Blinkit dark stores across the national capital and seized more than 55 knives that allegedly exceeded the prescribed legal limits. The knives were reportedly being sold for Rs 699 each. An FIR has been registered against the company and further investigation is underway.
The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of rapid delivery models adopted by quick-commerce platforms. Blinkit had recently faced criticism over its earlier “10-minute delivery” promise, with labour groups raising concerns about delivery partner safety.
Worker unions, including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, had earlier called for protests on December 25 and December 31, demanding improved wages, social security measures, and an end to strict time-based delivery targets.
In January, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met representatives of major aggregators to address concerns related to delivery timelines and worker safety. Executives from Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit and Zepto were part of the discussions.
Following the meeting, the government advised e-commerce platforms to reconsider claims related to ultra-fast deliveries and prioritise the safety of gig workers. Subsequently, Blinkit revised its promotional tagline from “10,000 plus products delivered in 10 minutes” to “30,000 plus products delivered at your doorstep,” according to sources.
Authorities said the investigation into the alleged illegal sale of restricted knives is ongoing and further action will be taken based on findings.